Nature Trail

Nature Trail

What is it? 

A nature trail is a planned outdoor walking route, along which are posts marking varying points of interest for people to stop and observe. They can include things such as nature, environmental features and objects of technological and cultural importance, and generally the marker posts have some information displayed for the walkers’ perusal.

What does it involve?

These sorts of trails can involve many different things, but they are all generally based around walking on a circuitous route or from point A to B. The lengths of the trails can vary from reasonably short 30 minute walks to taking many hours to complete – there are different types to include all sorts of different features.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

A nature trail is a great and easy way to get interested in the surrounding environment! The presented information means it requires no research on the things around you, so it’s hassle free and a alternative way of learning.

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn’t need any equipment other than appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear!

Who is it suitable for?

As long as you make sure the length and intensity of the nature trail is suitable for the ages of the students, it should be suitable for pretty much anyone!

Costs?

Most nature trails are generally free to access, but more specialist walks may have a guide available, which would have some costs! Make sure to check ahead of time.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Nature trails can take you a reasonable distance away from any towns, so if you have students with unpredictable medical conditions you must ensure you can call for medical help and that assistance can access your location easily! Also, young children should always be supervised carefully when in an unsecured outdoor location!

How do we include?

The nature of the outdoors means that the terrain can be rough or unpredictable, so those with physical disabilities may have issues navigating the route. Check with the trail’s organisers to find out the specific details.

Doing it abroad?

Foreign nature trails will be fascinating! They can give you a chance to see and learn about some of the features of different countries while seeing them in real life as opposed to pictures in books. Do some research beforehand to see what is going to be available in the area!

Main website: 

See specific venue websites for information about their nature trails.

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Ennerdale

Home of the Wild Ennerdale project with 30 miles of traffic-free paths
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Lying on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale is home to some of England’s most vibrant natural environments and one of the longest running wild land restoration projects in the UK. The Wild Ennerdale Partnership is allowing the landscape to evolve naturally with reducing human intervention and invites you to explore this unique valley and experience its special sense of wildness.

Wild Water, Forests, Mountains

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Hardcastle Crags

Beautiful wooded valley with 19th-century Gibson Mill at its heart
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

A beauty spot of the South Pennines with more than 160 hectares (400 acres) of unspoilt woodland.

As well as being the home of the northern hairy wood ant, there are tumbling streams, glorious waterfalls and stacks of millstone grit, all crisscrossed by more than 15 miles (24km) of footpaths.

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King Alfred's Tower

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

If you are visiting nearby Stourhead then why not walk half a mile or so to see one of the great follies of the UK.

Follow the blue waymarkers on this circular walk of historic interest, through beautiful woodlands to King Alfred's Tower. The route then continues to Grade I listed St. Peter's Pump, through Six Wells valley and past Stourhead House.

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Cape Cornwall

A spectacular landscape of curious contrasts
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The St Just coast boasts spectacular cliffs which lead from turbulent Atlantic seas, to a flat plateau of granite, capped by small agricultural fields. Here, since the Bronze Age, tin has been pulled and pushed out of the earth.

In the 19th century, deep shaft mining produced mining booms which had a lasting effect on the character of the Cornish people and their landscape. Now designated part of a World Heritage Site, the St Just coast exhibits many relics of this once thriving industry.

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Eskdale and Duddon Valley

Valleys of many delights
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The valleys descend from the highest and wildest mountains all the way to the beautiful sandy beaches on Cumbria’s peaceful western coast. The landscape provides everything from grandeur and beauty to tranquillity and remoteness.

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Ben Lomond

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Rising from the east shore of Loch Lomond to a height of 974m (3,193ft), Ben Lomond offers exhilarating walking and spectacular views across Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

The Trust cares for almost 22km2 of land here, including the summits of Ben Lomond, Ptarmigan and Beinn Uird. The mountain is one of Scotland’s most popular hill walks, with over 30,000 people climbing to the summit each year.

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Borrowdale and Derwentwater

Spectacular and varied lakeland landscape around Derwentwater
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Derwentwater is often called the 'Queen of the Lakes', and as you canoe between the islands with your picnic at the ready it's easy to see why. The friendly staff at our shop and information centre on the Keswick Foreshore will help you out with local knowledge about canoeing, interesting things to see and walks to do.

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Heddon Valley

Towering cliffs, coves and a wooded valley within Exmoor National Park
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Heddon Valley set in the West Exmoor coast was the favourite landscape of the Romantic Poets. Follow the deep, lush wooded river valley down to the sea at Heddon's Mouth beach – a great walk for all of the family.

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The Bushcraft Company

Adventures in the Wild!
Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
4.5

The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget. We pay meticulous attention to the details, making sure our pastoral care is second to none, our activities are both exciting and educational, and the whole experience of working with The Bushcraft Company, from the booking process to the day you leave, is easy and enjoyable.

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Lundy

Unspoilt island, home to a fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Undisturbed by cars, the island encompasses a small village with an inn and Victorian church, and the 13th-century Marisco Castle.

There's also a disused lighthouse to discover. Called the Old Light, it offers superb views over the north part of the island.

For nature-lovers there are the variety of seabirds, wildlife, flora and fauna. Designated the first Marine Conservation Area, Lundy offers opportunities for diving and seal watching.

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